The relocation master plan for the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital is projected to unfold over the next eight to ten years, as noted by Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald. Currently, the project is in its second phase out of a total of four phases, with an Australian engineer recently dispatched to assess the hospital facilities.
The initial phase of the plan is focused on maintaining hospital operations while planning the logistics of the relocation. The newly initiated second phase emphasizes the crucial task of site selection, with McDonald underscoring its importance. He stated that the chosen site must be suitable for the hospital’s needs in the coming decades, factoring in accessibility for various medical facilities, such as cardiac and cancer care, and even considerations for air ambulance accessibility.
Following the site selection, the project will advance to the third phase, which entails creating a comprehensive concept plan outlining the services the new national hospital will offer. The final phase will involve detailed design and planning, focusing on the specific medical equipment, expertise, and administration required.
McDonald reassured that this extensive planning process is similar to what one would expect in Australia or elsewhere for a long-term hospital project. While he acknowledged that the overall process may span seven to ten years, he expressed optimism about the momentum gained over the past year. Australia remains committed to assisting the Fijian Government throughout this significant endeavor. Ultimately, the decision regarding the hospital’s new site will rest with the Fijian authorities, guided by thorough assessments and recommendations from the national plan.
This ambitious project not only aims to enhance healthcare services in Fiji but also represents a significant investment in the region’s infrastructure and health system for the future.
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